Bookkeeper & Accountant Client Invoicing

Bookkeepers and accountants bill for services that impact clients' bottom line. Your invoice should show the value: clean books, accurate taxes, fewer headaches.

Monthly bookkeeping retainers

Most clients want a flat monthly fee: $500-2,000, depending on transaction volume. Invoice monthly, so the client knows what to expect.

Tax season surcharges

January-April is tax season. Accountants get slammed. Charge a surcharge for tax return prep (usually 50-100% premium over normal rates) or a separate line item on the invoice.

What to invoice for

• Monthly bookkeeping (bank reconciliation, categorization, reporting)
• Quarterly tax estimates and payments
• Annual tax return preparation
• Payroll processing
• Financial statement preparation
• Audit preparation
• Consultation and tax planning
• Extra work if records are messy

Cleanup fees

If a client's books are a mess, that's extra work. Invoice it separately as a "catch-up and cleanup" charge. Don't absorb it into your retainer.